Teacher Challenge 2010

EnglishClub learners are challenged every day. Here is a challenge for the English teachers!

The EnglishClub team is always challenging learners! We call on learners to take quizzes, play games and accept writing challenges. We ask them to try new technology, answer daily Facebook questions, and take Survival English dares. Sometimes we even ask learners to fill out surveys so that we can improve this site. We know that you are challenging your students too! Every quiz, homework assignment, project, film and class activity you introduce brings your students one step closer to their goals. In 2010 we would like to invite EnglishClub teachers to accept a challenge too!

One of the most useful resources for teachers to have on hand is a list of interesting discussion questions. Teachers use conversation questions to:

get students talking

break the ice in a new class

fill extra time before or after a lesson

supplement textbook material

change the pace of a class

challenge students to use vocabulary on a certain topic or theme

learn more about student interests

evaluate speaking skills and student needs

use when substituting

At EnglishClub we have many different places to find discussion questions, including Talking Point Worksheets, The Learning English Video Project, MyEC Groups and Blogs, The Monthly News Digest, Discussion Boards, etc… What we don’t have is a database of theme-based discussion questions that are easy to print or download by topic.

If one theme came out of education in 2009 it is this: When teachers put their heads together great things happen! In 2010, we would like to challenge English teachers worldwide to help us build this resource. Our goal is to provide 2010 discussion questions based on the following 21 topics:

People and Relationships

Places and Travel

Arts and Entertainment

Health

Current Events (from the year 2000 and above)

Social Media

Technology

Business

Science and Weather

Education

Plants and Animals

History

Food and Drink

Sports and Leisure

Life and Death

Crime and Punishment

World Issues

Culture and Spirituality

Jobs and Money

Random Questions (questions for non-theme based class discussions)

The most important question you can think of.

Are you up for the challenge?

Teachers’ Task

1. Review the list above and choose some topics that interest you.

2. Write a number of conversation questions based on the topics of your choice. (We need 100 for each category from 1-20. Contribute as many as you like!)

3. Post your questions in the comment section of this page. Make sure to include the reference letter of the topics from the list above.

Our Goal

When we have 2010 solid questions we will compile them in an easy-to-print list format on EnglishClub.com. We will feature 10 of the best answers to topic U for a total of 2010. The goal is to complete the database for your use by 2011!

Homework Tip

Regular reminders will be sent out to teachers to help us build this resource throughout the year. Why not get a head start on your homework? Add your own 21 questions today! You can even ask your students to help you.

Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub | December 2009 Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.